GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

Madison is growing — and the City is already planning for that growth through housing, land use, transportation, infrastructure and economic development.

But growth touches all of those systems at once.

New development can add housing, businesses and tax base. More residents also increase demand for Fire and EMS, public safety, transit, roads, parks and other city services.

So we want to look at the whole picture.

What is our growth designed to accomplish — and is it producing the results Madison needs?

THE PLAN

  • Understand who we're growing for.
    Growth isn't just about how many people move to Madison. Understand who is coming, what brings them here and what would make them build a life here. Are people coming for a job and leaving a few years later, or are they finding the housing, neighborhoods, opportunities and quality of life that make Madison a place they want to stay? Then look at whether the development we're creating actually matches the people and the future we're planning for.

  • Connect what we build.
    Don't let development become a collection of disconnected projects. Look for ways to connect neighborhoods, businesses, schools, parks, bike paths and public spaces—including plazas and gathering places where people actually want to spend time. Use the Collective Power Tree as a way to see those connections and test the idea in one part of Madison before expanding it.

  • Make City-owned land work for the long term.
    Know what land and property Madison owns, how it's being used and what it's producing. When City property is considered for development, compare the long-term value of selling it with options such as leasing the land and keeping public ownership. The goal isn't to lease everything. It's to make sure we're asking the question before giving up an asset we only get to sell once.

THE OUTCOME

Growth that strengthens Madison over time—not simply more development.

Track whether major growth is producing the housing, economic activity and tax base we expected; whether infrastructure and city-service costs are keeping pace; how City-owned property is being used; and whether the places we're building are becoming more connected.

Know what we expected. Measure what happened. Adjust when it doesn't match.